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style inspiration | Starting From Scratch

So this is embarrassing …. but I can count on one hand the number of wearable clothes in my closet right now. Some haven’t reappeared after the move, most just don’t fit. Now that the weather has turned I’m down to two pairs of pants. And unfortunately I don’t have anything to go with one pair (what was I thinking buying bright blue?!).

If I have to wear my temporary-turned-permanent post-baby pair of jeans one more time I might go postal.

Sometimes I feel scared to go shopping. Will I buy the right thing? Is it on trend or three seasons ago? Then I come home with clothes that don’t go with anything (hello, bright blue pants) or that just don’t fit my day-to-day life. I have no basic long sleeve t-shirts and yet I buy a bright pink silk shirt. WHY? I just want to wear jeans! With stripes!

So I’m starting from scratch. Trying to figure out my style. Feel confident about my choices. Buy things for the woman I am – not the person I think I should be. On Fridays I’ll share an update on my closet makeover journey.

Today I went through my Pinterest boards looking for inspiration. And you know what? I see my style reflected there. It’s simple. Unfussy. Comfortable and often monochromatic. With a little short hair bling. That’s a good place to start.How about you? What’s your style? When did you “find” it?

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I’m totally at this point…starting from scratch. My style has evolved SO much since I’ve moved to New Zealand for the past year and a bit. I think partly because I’ve grown up a lot and prior to coming here had never really broken out of my highschool jeans and tshirt thing, and partly because lots of New Zealand girls are just so dang trendy. When I move back to Canada, I am starting fresh because a) I am super bored of my old wardrobe at home and what little bits I have with me now and b) because I want to invest in more “quality” pieces. Yay!

I know exactly how you feel Chelsea – it’s hard to get out of the jeans/t-shirt rut. But as I get older I feel like it’s ok to invest in myself (and my wardrobe) so it’s time to get beyond Target (much as I love them, ha!)

I definitely understand what you’re saying! For the past few months I’ve been editing my wardrobe and being more critical of what I buy and wear. It has taken a while but I feel like I’m finally getting there. Stripes are an essential in my wardrobe as are shorts. Lately I’ve identified statement pieces (from my basics) to add a bit of depth to my wardrobe http://vanishaslife.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/deciding-on-statement-pieces-for-your.html

I’m exactly the same Stephanie. Since I had the children and put on so much weight I think I’ve been trying to keep up the same style I used to have in my ‘before’ size but it just wasn’t working. Once I started buying and wearing larger size fashion and embracing it, I’ve been feeling more comfortable. Ultimately I’d like to return to my former size but I’m not beating myself up about it. I’ll look forward to your new series.

Yes, I guess it’s time for me to work on my style too and stop procrastinating on doing this until I’m at goal weight (which may not ever happen)… I am thinking about getting some personal shopper help since I hate shopping, which seems necessary for finding my style??

My style is totally chic classic-I’d live in Madwell and JCrew if I could completely purge my wardrobe and start fresh! I haven’t bought pants myself in 2 years due to pregnancy and baby…but, I’m shopping today and I find that pants are the hardest for me now. Mainly because I need to wear comfy shoes to keep up with lil’ girl that i’m endlessly chasing. And now that it’s getting colder, I’m totally lost on footwear-nothing I own seems to be working. Anyway, I’m very excited for your series and I can’t wait to see what you do!! Good luck, I’m cheering for you!!

I totally relate to this post! If you need a little more direction or inspiration with your wardrobe overhaul, xojane did a series on finding your signature style recently that I have found useful as I try to escape the yoga pants and American Apparel deep v-neck t-shirt rut I seem to have fallen into. Good luck!

I think you are going about this style evolution in the perfect way. Isolate your style, find your color palette, and stick with unfussy classics. Can’t wait to see your new pieces and how you style them in the upcoming months.

Holy heck, I could have written this myself. I also have two pairs of pants that fit (and some that I squeeze myself into, even though I probably shouldn’t) and I think it might be time to buy some new stuff, much as it pains me to do so. I’m really good at picking individual pieces, but I can never put an outfit together. I can’t wait to see the things you buy–I’m sure I will get some ideas from you!

oh no, i hate those moments when you exclaim “there is NOTHING in my closet!!” uhh… happens to me quite often. then i just wear a tight t-shirt and jeans- that’s always my style. I agree with you, monochromatic is wonderful, can be dressed up or down and made into anything you want with some accessories.

I wish I could start over from scratch! My style has been all over the place these past few years and I’m only now starting to invest in solid pieces that I think suit me. Looking at all these photos I can definitely see your style reflected throughout!

I’m also so with you on the needing to update my wardrobe front. My problem is that money is tight and I feel guilty spending on myself– but a girl can’t grocery shop naked! I’m trying to create a game plan for myself (even though I’m not very good at those). Can’t wait to see your journey!

Awe :) You sound like me. Lately I’ve gotten rid of everything in my closet except for staples that I know I will wear for a long time. My colors are hunter green, black, brown, mustard, rust with pops of cream, purple or pink :) I love black and white stripes. It’s been a lot easier getting ready that’s for sure. Today I have on black jean leggings from Gap (amazing!!!) with black + brown boots, green “t” and a cream cowl. I can’t tell you how excited I am about this plain outfit! ♥Lindsay Good luck to you!

sometimes if i have something in my closet i can’t figure out how to wear, i kind of put it on a ‘priority list’ to find things that go with it (like my dog print top that really only goes with shorts or pants…so i need to start wearing pants again for it to work really). but yeah i totally get you! i started rebuilding a more ‘me’ wardrobe when i got my first job last year, but it was easier to do it slowly over time. i don’t pay attention to many trends, just what fits me well and i know will last (no hi/low hems, peplum, just the good old fit and flare type dresses that i know and love). it helps a lot because i have stuff that ends up lasting me years and years.

oh-and i knit all the hats i wear on my blog :D i have a tonn of knit stuff but it all gets lost and found at random times